Ivey signs one-year deal

Former Atlanta Hawks point guard Royal Ivey signed a one-year contract today with the Milwaukee Bucks, adding depth to the team's backcourt.

Ivey played in 53 games with the Hawks last season, making 18 starts, and averaged 3.1 points and 1.0 rebounds. He scored 16 points in a late-season game against the Bucks at the Bradley Center.

During the 2005-'06 season, Ivey started 66 times in 73 games played and averaged 3.6 points and 1.3 rebounds. He led all NBA guards in fewest turnovers per 48 minutes (1.1).

"It's a new start for me, a great opportunity," Ivey said after agreeing to terms at the Cousins Center, the Bucks training facility in St. Francis.

The 25-year-old Ivey, a close friend of former Bucks point guard T.J. Ford, was a four-year starter at Texas and played on teams that made three Sweet 16 appearances and reached one Final Four. During Ivey's junior year in 2002-'03, he and Ford formed the starting backcourt as the Longhorns advanced to the Final Four.

Ivey, born in Harlem, N.Y., played both guard spots at Texas and was a two-time Big 12 Conference all-defensive selection.

Ivey played almost exclusively at point guard with the Hawks, but he likely will play both guard positions for the Bucks.

"I'm looking forward to that challenge, not playing just one role," Ivey said. "I just consider myself a basketball player. If I'm called upon to play some 2 (shooting guard), I'm glad to do that."

The Bucks have not yet decided whether to match the Miami Heat's five-year, $18 million offer sheet to guard Charlie Bell, which the team received on Monday. Milwaukee has until next Monday to match Miami's bid or lose Bell to the Heat.

"There's no direct correlation at all," Bucks general manager Larry Harris said of Ivey's signing. "We already had planned to do this, regardless of the Charlie Bell situation."

Ivey, a free agent, said he knew he would not be returning to the Hawks after they selected point guard Acie Law in the first round of the June draft.

"It motivated me to work harder," Ivey said.

He worked out several days with the Cleveland Cavaliers before getting a call from the Bucks to take part in some free-agent sessions last week at the Cousins Center.

"My defensive presence has been there," Ivey said. "I've been working on my shot so I won't be a liability on offense. I've been making jumpers, twos and threes. I want to show some offense."

Ivey said he is excited to join a backcourt featuring Team USA member Michael Redd and point guard Mo Williams.

"It will be real fun playing with an all-star and one of the up-and-coming point guards in the league in Mo Williams," Ivey said. "Competing with him every day will help me."

Harris said Ivey will be able to defend against some shooting guards but will be used primarily as a backup point guard to Williams. Lynn Greer and rookie Ramon Sessions are also in the mix at point guard.